New Aldi store will replace ancient Tarleton inn

In the latest chapter of a long-running application, the German company, which already has almost 40 supermarkets in the county, is seeking permission to demolish the derelict former Bay Leaf Indian restaurant in Tarleton and build a new store and a two-storey office block, together with parking for 129 vehicles.

The planning request follows a similar proposal in 2018 to build a store and offices, passed by West Lancashire Council.

And if granted it will finally see the end of the crumbling restaurant which shut down in 2007 and has since become “an unpleasant eyesore” according to planning reports. It will also provide 30-50 jobs locally.

The Bay Leaf was originally the Rams Head Inn which has stood on that site in Liverpool Road since the mid-17th century - it bears a date stone of 1640.

The property is on West Lancashire Council’s list of buildings of local architectural or historic interest. But it is not designated as a heritage asset.

Aldi plans to flatten it and revitalise the overgrown site with a state-of-the-art foodstore and an office block to provide headquarters for logistics firm GBA.

When plans were first published, objections were raised over traffic, heritage impact and feelings that Tarleton was not large enough to sustain a store that big.

Letters of support were also received saying it would tidy up the site, give shoppers more choice and create more jobs locally.